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One of summer’s simplest pleasures is biting into a juicy slice of watermelon. With its bright red color, refreshing crunch, and hydrating effect, this fruit is a seasonal staple that many of us eagerly await.
Whether eaten in wedges, cubes, or blended into a chilled smoothie, watermelon has long been viewed as a “healthy” treat.
But behind its reputation as a guilt-free fruit lies a surprising effect on the body, specifically, its impact on blood sugar.
Is Watermelon Causing a Hidden Sugar Spike?
Watermelon is often celebrated as a great addition to weight-loss plans due to its high water content and low calorie count. When the heat rises, it’s one of the first fruits to appear on picnic tables.
However, new research suggests that this sweet fruit may not be as innocent as it seems: it can trigger a significant rise in blood sugar, sometimes even more so than white sugar itself.
What causes this? The issue is that watermelon contains almost no fiber, fat, or protein—nutrients that normally slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
As a result, once consumed, the natural sugars in watermelon (glucose and fructose) are rapidly absorbed, causing blood glucose levels to spike quickly.
This is especially concerning for older adults or individuals with insulin resistance.
A Closer Look at the Glycemic Index
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